Something that always seems to happen mostly around wintertime, especially Hanukkah/Christmas/New Year's just when you've firmed up your plans to see your family and/or friends. Often caused by idiotic, careless people who don't bother to contain their sneezes and coughs in a handkerchief or shake hands with the same hand they've just sneezed and coughed into.while they're hovering around you on the bus and/or train. Usually takes three days to catch after you're exposed, and makes you feel miserable for at least five days, with sneezing, coughing, stuffy and runny nose, sometimes a headache, and weakness. Yukkkk!